Grand Ole Opry centennial celebration continues with a new Country Music Museum exhibit featuring Vince Gill and Carly Pearce
The Grand Ole Opry’s 100-year celebration rolls on with a brand-new exhibit at the Country Music Museum and Hall of Fame. The exhibit, titled The Grandest Stage: The Opry at 100, runs through March 2027 and offers visitors an in-depth look at the longest-running radio show in the United States, alongside a curated display of artifacts from the Opry’s century-long history. Highlights include Minnie Pearl’s straw hat from her 1940 debut, Reba McEntire’s boots from her 1977 coronation, and Ella Langley’s custom-made suit.
To kick off the exhibit, Vince Gill and Carly Pearce will participate in a live panel at the museum’s Ford Theater, joined by Dan Rogers, the Opry’s senior vice president and executive producer. Paul Kingsbury, the Hall of Fame editorial director, will moderate the discussion, set for 2 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 18. Tickets go on sale Friday, Aug. 22.
Vince Gill’s deep ties to the Opry are well known. He made his Opry debut on June 29, 1989, and was inducted on Aug. 10, 1991, becoming one of the youngest inductees at age 34. Gill’s wife, Amy Grant, has described him as nearly always at the Opry when he’s home, calling it “his church.”
Carly Pearce has her own notable journey to the Opry. The Kentucky native, who has since earned multiple CMA Awards, once told her parents at 16 that she wanted to perform on the Grand Ole Opry. She dropped out of high school to move to Pigeon Forge and work at Dollywood, and fifteen years later she accepted her Opry invitation from Dolly Parton herself.
This exhibit aligns with the Opry’s ongoing centennial celebration, offering fans a tangible link to the show’s storied past while looking forward to its continued influence on country music and American culture.
Additional note: The museum and exhibit emphasize not only the Opry’s historic moments but also its ongoing role as a living, evolving stage for new generations of artists. The event promises an engaging experience for visitors and a meaningful reminder of Nashville’s enduring musical heritage.
Summary: The Grand Ole Opry’s centennial celebration expands with a new exhibit, The Grandest Stage: The Opry at 100, featuring rare artifacts and a September panel with Vince Gill and Carly Pearce. The exhibit runs through March 2027, with tickets on sale Aug. 22. The panels and artifacts underscore the Opry’s status as a cultural cornerstone and its ongoing influence on country music history.
Positive note: The collaboration between veteran stars and rising artists highlights the Opry’s role as a bridge between generations, preserving tradition while celebrating new talent.